Blasts from the past

After much demand from the public, Doordarshan has decided to bring back popular shows from the good old days like ‘Ramayan’ and ‘Mahabharat’.

NT KURIOCITY speaks to youngsters about iconic DD National shows that in their opinion deserve a re-run and more

‘Ramayan’ should be re-telecast every five years along
with the ‘Mahabharat’ on Doordarshan because people are forgetting their
rituals and mythology. And as a result, they are hesitating to say ‘Jai Shree
Ram’ proudly. Let’s get united and strengthened by ‘Ramayan’ as we fight
against COVID-19 during this lockdown. Also, in a time when it is difficult to
make kids understand the importance of staying home for their safety, I would
be really grateful if Doordarshan comes back with the nation’s favourite
superhero ‘Shaktimaan’.

Sreetam Halder, junior officer in microbiology, Cortalim

My fond memories of watching DD National trace back to
the detective series ‘Raja Aur Rancho’. It was adorable to watch the monkey Rancho
help the protagonist Raja solve criminal cases. Lord Shiva performing tandav in
‘Om Namah Shivay’ remains carved in my memory. In ‘Aap Beeti’ the sudden
appearance of the ghost in a white saree would always send a chill down my
spine! I would love to enjoy these serials once again. And I would say ‘Raja
Aur Rancho’, ‘Aap Beeti’, ‘Om Namah Shivay’ and ‘Suraag – The Clue’ deserve a
re-run. ‘Raja Aur Rancho’ with its detective stories will serve as mental snack
for kids and the older generation too. ‘Om Namah Shivay’ can get us all
well-acquainted with the life of Lord Shiva. And the horror episodes from ‘Aap
Beeti’ are sure to attract the youth. On a humorous note, ‘Aap Beeti’ will
horrify those young people who unnecessarily sneak out of their homes for a
stroll or bike ride!

Shreya Avdhut Silimkhan, Panaji

Despite being the world’s second most populous country,
with more than 1.3 billion people, India has taken a comprehensive and robust
decision to fight the outbreak of COVID-19. During the lockdown, people are
finding ways to spend time without getting bored and the return of ‘Ramayan’
and ‘Mahabharat’ on Doordarshan after 33 years brought a moment of togetherness
for families. I believe mythology shows should be re-telecast as they bring
everyone in the family together in front of one screen. And most importantly we
get to learn more about our culture and heritage.

The lockdown has put the entire nation on halt and people
are confined to their homes. In such a situation the government’s attempt at
taking care of people’s entertainment is a sweet decision. ‘Ramayan’ and
‘Mahabharat’ were iconic and now they are back to rejuvenate us with lessons on
ethics, culture and great legacies in India. Besides this, there were other
serials like ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ which gave a lot of information on India’s
glorious history and ‘Shaktimaan’, a story of a superhero that every kid from
the 90s enjoyed watching. This fictional programme that was blended with
important life lessons shall also be telecast. Perhaps this is the only time
and opportunity for all of us to go back end enjoy the past.

Shwetang Nadkarni, civil engineer, Panaji

I think apart from religious TV shows being shown there
should be some children’s entertainment also telecast on the channel.
‘Shaktimaan’ is a popular show till date and is very much loved by people.
Since this lockdown has started, people on social media are demanding the
re-telecast of this show. Plus, it’s a show that has had around 520 episodes –
which is more than any TV shows telecast on Doordarshan. I think with this
step, the number of people watching Doordarshan might also increase.

Other than ‘Ramayan’ and ‘Mahabharat’, shows that should
be re-run are ‘Surabhi’, ‘Shrimaan Shrimati’, ‘Udaan’, ‘Malgudi Days’, ‘Wagle
Ki Duniya’ and ‘Duck Tales’. I am curious to see these shows as my mother is
always talking about these shows. As per her, ‘Surabhi’ was very informative;
‘Shreeman Shreemati’ and ‘Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi’ were full of laughter; while
‘Malgudi Days’ was the one she liked the most. I think these shows will make us
forget about the current situation. And our parents and grandparents would also
want to watch them again and we now have an opportunity to watch these shows
together with the entire family.

Samantha ML Botelho, Our Lady of the Rosary High School, Dona Paula

I would like to see serials like ‘Nukkad’ and ‘Circus’
again. I like humour and watch ‘The Kapil Sharma’ show without fail during the
weekends. And old serials also have a lot of simple humour in it. It also shows
a realistic picture of the common man’s life. Nowadays serials are more focused
on love or the rich life. I also believe laughter is the best medicine to stay
healthy.

Mark John Pinto, student, Goa University

I wish ‘Malgudi Days’ is re-telecast again. It’s a
collection of beautiful stories written by RK Narayan in 1942 which portray
different facets of life in Malgudi. When the 21-day lockdown was announced,
people didn’t go out to buy gold or other luxuries but basic grocery items. And
‘Malgudi Days’ describes the simple lifestyle of people. Happiness in
simplicity is something this generation has lost. Its title song is so
nostalgic it still takes me back to my childhood. Also, serials like ‘Chanakya’
and ‘Shakimaan’ are the most favourite of 90s kids.